What Makes This Melon Explode?

What could be more American than watermelon? What could be more Japanese than making a watermelon explode in some sort of strange made for TV science experiment?

I have found that certain fireworks will make a watermelon explode. I have also found that dropping a watermelon is another way to get to the juicy goodness contained inside the rind. These Japanese guys obviously have even more time on their hands than I do.

Who would have ever thought of "How many rubber bands can you wrap around a watermelon until it pops"? I know I have never thought that. I did ponder how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop but I found out the answer from the wise old owl in the commercial. So how many rubber bands will blow up a melon? Without giving away the answer let me just say, it's a lot!